2015 hilton head bridal guide

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BRIDAL SHOWH I L T O N H E A D

SUNDAY, FEB. 8, 12-4PM

INSIDEReal Wedding I

Abby & Ryan

Real Wedding II Maria & RJ

Real Wedding III Terri & Matt

Spring Bridal Trends

Wedding Cakes

2015 Hilton Head Bridal Show

The Westin

PRESENTED BY HILTON HEAD MONTHLY & THE HILTON HEAD BRIDAL SHOW

BRIDALTHE 2015

GUIDE

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REAL WEDDING I M

AT FIRST SIGHT

IN the summer of 2007, which many of their close friends and family call “The Summer of Love,” Ryan

Olson and Abby McDougall met at a fish fry at the McDougall home. Olson’s brother, Erik, had just moved in across the street and he was visiting for the summer. To this day, Olson claims there was a light shining specifically on McDougall’s head when he first saw her. It’s his version of love at first sight.

It was the summer before McDougall’s firs year at Clemson University, where Olson was conveniently heading into his junior year. It was not until the next summer of 2008 that they started exclusively dating. After five years of growing as a couple and enjoying life together, Olson popped the question on McDougall’s parent’s dock in September 2013. It was the perfect location for an engagement, as they have spent many days enjoying the special place.

As the couple had been dating for quite some time, they did not find reason to have a long engagement. They found their venue — The River Club at Oldfield Plantation — and signed up for the next available date. Eight months after their engagement, McDougall walked down the aisle to exchange vows with Olson.

We asked her more about her beautiful wedding, her design inspiration, her favorite moments and more.

BY LIBBY O’REGAN

REAL WEDDING: ABBY MCDOUGALL & RYAN OLSON

LOVE



WHAT KIND OF WEDDING DID YOU ENVISION? We both love the classic beauty of the Lowcountry, where we have made many great memories. It was only natural for our wedding day to reflect our laid-back love for the river and outdoors. In our hunt for wedding venues, this is what drew us to The River Club at Oldfield. Here, we exchanged vows under a driftwood arbor overlooking the beautiful Okatie River. A neutral palette guided our decor, incorporating natural foliage and local oyster shells. The bridesmaids wore long, gray flowing gowns, while the groomsmen opted for classic black tuxes.

It was also important to us that our wedding be a celebration, where all guest are able to enjoy the evening with us. With this in mind, a live band was a must, along with a mingling reception accompanied by food stations and an open bar.

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WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST WEDDING SPLURGE? The restoration of Ryan’s 1967 Firebird. The Firebird was Ryan’s first car in high school just over 10 years ago, and he always intended on restoring it with his father. The wedding date provided the timeframe needed to complete the project, with each of Ryan’s family members joining in on the action. We decided to surprise our wedding guest by arriving to the reception in the car rather than following the rest of the wedding party down the River Club back stairs. It was a unique (and loud) entrance with the car announcing our arrival after Ryan and his brother made last-minute “adjustments” to the exhaust. The lighting design ensured the car was illuminated the entire evening and it was the perfect getaway car for us at the end of the celebration.

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WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE DETAILS? I had a few favorite details, with the first being Ryan’s blue suede tux jacket. When we were having his tux pants fitted we came across the gem at a local men’s store. The spontaneous buy was just the right touch to have Ryan stand out from his groomsmen. I also treasured wearing my mom’s wedding veil. It was my something “old” and my favorite accessory. Lastly, we used my late grandmother’s silver candelabras to adorn the bridal party and family reception tables. They were the perfect vintage touch, and I know my grandmother would have been thrilled to see them used on our special day.

WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS OF THE DAY? There were so many great moments and far too many to mention. Of course, the best part of the day was saying “I do” to my lifelong partner. Other highlights include overlooking the cocktail hour on the front steps of The River Club, taking in the once-in-a-lifetime experience; surprising our guests by arriving to the reception in the Firebird; listening to the fantastic speeches; and dancing in the rain until the night’s end. M

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Bride’s Gown: Martina Liana from Gown Boutique of CharlestonBridesmaid’s Attire: Donna Morgan from Gown Boutique of CharlestonCeremony & Reception Location: The River Club at Oldfield PlantationOfficiant Ellen MalphrusCake: Ali Roger with Pour Richard’sCatering: OldfieldPlantationFlowers & Driftwood Ceremony Arbor: Nancy Heird and Angela Mandigo with Gardenias on Hilton Head Island & Circle of LifeCeremony Music: Lavon Stevens with The Jazz CornerReception Band: Crystal Clear Band via Sam Hill Entertainment Photographer: Leigh

Hayward & assistant with Leigh Hayward PhotographyVideographer: Vitor Lindo & assistant with Vitor Lindo PhotographyLinens & Rentals: Roy’s Place Cafe and Catering & The Tent FactoryHair: Jessica Israel with Aqua Med Spa and SalonMakeup: Lydia Ballesteros with Glam Artistry Productions Wedding Design & Coordination: Abby Olson (bride), Diana McDougall (mother of the bride) & Fran McKinney Save the Dates: Photo by Becky Prescott & design by Jane Olson (mother of the groom)Wedding Invitations: Gene Arrington with Pretty Papers and GiftsStationery: Budget Print

VENDORS


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Book now and receive 10% off of your wedding package plus a complimentary VIP Resort Experience that includes a weekend overnight stay, complimentary spa treatments and Sunday brunch for two.

Newly renovated and thoroughly romantic, our beautiful seaside location, Food is Art cuisine experience, and dedicated wedding planners assure you and your guests will be exquisitely pampered on your special day.

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REAL WEDDING II M

AT SEA PINES

Three words describe the wedding of Maria Curran and RJ Williams: classic, beautiful and coastal. Isn’t that every Hilton Head Island

bride’s dream? A destination wedding of sorts for Curran and Johnston, who reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, but who frequent Hilton Head because of a family home, this wedding reflected the natural environment of Hilton Head and the beauty of Sea Pines. Of course, it was also reflective of the love the couple share and their families.

“I have always thought the marsh in the backyard is extremely calming, and the porch is the first place I go when I arrive in Hilton Head for vacation. RJ and I both love the wildlife in the marsh and at the beach, so we envisioned a coastal but also elegant and classy wedding, just like Hilton Head,” Curran said.

The day of their Oct. 4 wedding, the bridesmaids got ready at the family home. Curran presented her bridesmaids and mother with monogramed robes, and they relaxed on the porch before the ceremony and festivities. The women also had a special luncheon hosted by Curran’s aunt. It was a perfect start to the day.

BY LIBBY O’REGAN

REAL WEDDING: MARIA PHELAN CURRAN & ROBERT JOHNSTON WILLIAMS

COASTAL ELEGANCE



The ceremony took place at Holy Family Catholic Church. It was a traditional ceremony. The bride wore a beautiful lace and satin gown that fit her tall, slender physique perfectly.

The couple knew they wanted to host their reception at the Sea Pines Country Club because of “the beautiful views and amazing food,” according to Curran. The bride’s mother found some large clamshells that they wanted to incorporate into the coastal design of the wedding. They explained their vision to Dawn at A Floral Affair, and she created a centerpiece more beautiful than the bride could have imagined. From there, Curran and her wedding planner, Beth Baldwin of Baldwin Events, helped the couple incorporate sand, sand-colored linens, driftwood and candles to complete the look. The overall look was coastal elegance at its finest

Touches of yellow and light blue also were incorporated into the wedding design. Curran wore a small yellow flower in her hair and the bridesmaids wore off-the-shoulder dresses and carried long calla lily stems.

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The bride danced with her father for the first dance, and the emotion was not lost on the guests and was clearly captured by the photographer, R.L. Morris. Curran says her biggest splurge on the wedding was the band, as she and Williams wanted her guests to really enjoy the party. Most important to the bride and groom when planning the wedding? Enjoying a good meal and dancing the night away.

Curran had this piece of advice for other brides planning their own weddings: “The biggest advice I would have would be to work out months before the wedding to reduce stress, stay organized by making

lists then checking them off, and try to do everything that you can ahead of schedule so you can enjoy the last few weeks before the wedding with each other. Everyone needs Beth Baldwin in their lives because we couldn’t have kept all of the details straight. She kept us on track while planning, and the wedding day went off without a hitch.”

The couple recently got a puppy named Nilla and frequently visit Hilton Head. Curran said she is blessed to be married to her best friend and said married life has been amazing. From a beautiful wedding to a beautiful marriage, this couple has it all. M

VENDORSWedding Planner: Beth BaldwinFlorist: A Floral AffairPhotographer: Lee Morris of R.L. Morris Weddings www.rlmorrisweddings.com/curranHair/Makeup: All About Me SalonTransportation: The Sea Pines TrolleyCake: Frankie CakesBand: Gentlemen and Their Lady (East Coast Entertainment)Event Rentals (chairs, linens, bar, etc.): Amazing Event RentalsDress: Alexia’s in Raleigh, North CarolinaInvitations: Page StationaryHost Hotel: The Inn at Harbour TownMen’s Suits: Jos. A. BankMother of the Bride Dress: Porcupine on Hilton Head

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ALL ABOUT

What’s your favorite part of a wedding? When asked this question, so many people love to

answer: “Seeing the groom’s reaction to his bride.” The look on the groom’s face when his bride walks down the aisle says everything, doesn’t it? With all the focus on the bride, sometimes it’s so spectacular to see what the groom has to say.

“Our wedding day was perfect,” says Matt Cramer of his Oct. 4 wedding to Terri Cox, held at St. Luke’s Church on Hilton Head. The reception took place at Hampton Lake, and the entire day was filled with family, friends and personal touches.

“The best moment had to be seeing her appear at the back of the church and walk down the aisle to meet me at the altar,” Cramer said. “She was absolutely stunning. I was nervous right before the ceremony, but as soon as I saw her and when we held hands, all the nerves went away. That moment was my favorite part of the wedding.”

BY LIBBY O’REGAN

REAL WEDDING: TERRI COX & MATT CRAMER

FAMILY

REAL WEDDING III M



Clearly a romantic, Cramer presented his bride with 10 reasons he wanted to marry her on the day of the wedding. All of the women in Cox’s life shared the 10 reasons with her (before the bride had her makeup done, to ensure there were no mascara smudges, obviously). It was a complete surprise to Cox, and she was blown away by his thoughtfulness.

Cox and Cramer planned a lot of the day together and in collaboration with their helpful parents, Gavin and Jill Cox and Jerry and Marie Cramer. Other than committing to what they were spending financially, Jill Cox said the rest of the planning was really executed by the happy couple. Not surprisingly of this very loving and supportive family, Terri Cox says she couldn’t have done it without both her and Matt Cramer’s parents.

Cox’s family is African, so they incorporated a lot of tribal dances and traditions into the wedding. Keeping family close, even family members who could not be there, was also important to the couple.

“My grandparents were not able to come for health reasons and after losing my grandfather a couple months before the wedding, I wanted to make sure they were right by my side the whole day,” Cox said. Photos and special mentions of these people were present. “Matt’s Nana Cramer passed when he was a teenager, and he was close to her as well. I put pictures of them on my bouquet in remembrance. We were blessed to have Nana Shirley Smith there to enjoy our special day with us. She was the only grandparent of Matt and I at the wedding.”

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The couple’s reception at Hampton Lake can only be described as classic. Cox used a lot of sunflowers in the design of the wedding because, quite simply, they make her smile. Eye-popping satin blue bridesmaids’ dresses contrasted with the yellow sunflowers and made for a very refreshing and beautiful look. The couple’s biggest wedding day splurge was on the photography. “It lasts forever,” Cox said.

The bride and the groom had two matrons of honors and two best men. Further demonstrating their strong family ties, those roles were filled by Cox’s sister and best friend and Cramer’s father and best friend. Celebrating family and friends was a very important part of this couple’s big day.

The mother of the bride, Jill Cox, had a little bit of advice for mothers and daughters who are planning weddings together. “I think the most difficult thing when planning a wedding is to focus on the big picture of what the wedding is truly about, and the commitment that comes with the vows,” she said. “It is important to set the financial boundaries, and then let it be about what the bride and groom would like on their day. Having checklists and timelines is important.”

“Terri and I planned a lot for this day and it was amazing to see how happy my bride was all day long,” said Cramer. “I wanted her to have the best day ever and the wedding that she had always dreamed of. From the smile she had all day long, I feel it was a success.”

Now that they’ve got a few months of being married under their belt, Cox said that the couple’s life is “amazing. I love my husband in so many more different ways than I ever knew were possible. We cannot wait for what He has in store for us and look forward to many more memories to soak in.” M

VENDORSPhotography: Megan Sells of Phoenix Feather PhotographyVideo: Main Event Video ProductionVenue Manager: Russell GoldsteinLimo: Landy Johnson of Get You There Limo ServiceDJ: Mareon AtkinsLighting: Jerry Cramer, father of the groomFlowers: Jill Cox, mother of the brideCake: Susan VoegalMakeup: Rosa at FACES Day SpaHair: Danielle and Jamie at Tara’s of Moss Creek Hair SalonReception rentals and catering: Downtown CateringOfficiant Pastor Greg KronzCeremony Organist: Nina Rodman

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WE DON’T HAVE A CRYSTAL BALL BUT WE DO HAVE OUR PULSE ON WHAT’S HOT IN THE WORLD OF WEDDINGS

BRIDAL TRENDS

2015

onto the wedding scene this spring are so many new and exciting trends. From all aspects of their weddings, couples are finding more ways to innovate and excite their guests and make the day

and their own. Move over burlap, lace, mason jars and wedding design comprised only of champagne, blush and gold. Enter a modern, more eclectic vibe.

BURSTINGTRULY SPECIAL

CAN WE GET AN “AMEN”?˜ ˜BY LIBBY O’REGAN




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According to Hannah Baker, associate wedding style editor of Brides Magazine, “In 2015, the biggest trend we are seeing

is that rustic and vintage are out and are being replaced by a sleeker more modern aesthetic. ˜Instead of mason jars and wood accents, we’ll be seeing more unique, statement installations on a grand scale. It’s still important to brides to personalize their wedding décor, but they are fi nding bolder ways to do it.”

Starting with the invitation and paper suite, expect to see botanicals and metallic fi nishes. Couples are picking a meaningful quote and incorporating it throughout in the save the date, invitation, welcome brochure, program and other paper details. Choosing something meaningful or personal such as, “Grow old with me, the best is yet to come” by Robert Browning and refl ecting that sentiment throughout all the wedding details is extremely popular for the upcoming wedding season.

Couples are also using beautiful envelope liners and personalized address stampson all of their wedding correspondence — making the envelope just as special as the invitation inside. Hand calligraphy, not necessarily perfectly executed, but a little messy and more casual, is dominating envelopes.

When it comes to design, says Amanda Spencer, owner of Spencer Special Events: “We are planning with clean lines, bold colors, and incorporating some dynamite patterns. Oh, and also textures.”

“While we love Pinterest for ideas and inspiration, we are looking outside the box for our brides and incorporating their fabulous sense of style and interior design to create their design presentations,” Spencer said. “Being unique, doing something different than what other brides have done, is really something spring 2015 brides are trying to achieve.”

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While champagne, blush and soft color palates have really dominated design and décor over the past two years, couples are beginning to feel a need for a fresher, more original look. Emerald green, peach, royal blue, black and white, and yellow are making their way onto the scene. Color, color, color and more color. It’s for the most discerning brides seeking a different look than all the weddings they attended in 2014.

Expect to see lots of drapery in 2015 as couples strive for that fresh look, and transforming a venue into a space that they envision is important. Design is moving away from ruffl ed drapery, and lines are clean and straight. Couples who can afford it in their budget will be sure to include lighting in their list of vendors. Uplighting and pinspotting are a must to ensure guests see all those pretty little details and décor couples have worked so hard to put together.

Unique and fun celebrations, such as a “Bourbon and Bubbly Bar” or a swanky champagne station, are always big hits for any celebration, Spencer said. That wow factor can be achieved by building your event around something entirely different. Go beyond what you have seen before and make it your own.

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According to wedding planner Beth Baldwin of Baldwin Events, “large bridal party tables, with seating for 24-30 people sometimes, is still trending hard, and couples seem to be moving away from the once popular ‘sweetheart table.’”

When it comes to the food, the trend of sourcing local and sometimes organic food is still popular. Most couples and their families are offering healthy alternatives in their food offerings, recognizing diet trends in food. Paleo-friendly menu items, for example, are often a consideration. When it comes to dessert, traditional cakes will dominate in 2015 as brides move away from more far-out trends of cupcake towers, cake pops and serving many different cakes. It seems the trend is moving back toward a simpler dessert offering while the focus is on other aspects of the wedding.Groom’s cakes, presented at a rehearsal dinner or welcome party and not at the wedding reception, will trend for spring.

Fashion-forward brides are embracing clean, structured gowns, though softer looks with lace will continue to trend. Bridesmaids are more frequently wearing different dresses — gone are the days when they all wore the same cut, fi t and fabric. Putting together a look for bridesmaids and groomsmen that is textured, varied and not cookie-cutter is key for updated, modern fashion in wedding parties. You can even think about putting your bridesmaids in patterns or fl orals for a truly fresh look.

Look for truly unique and personal wedding ceremonies this spring. Offi ciants are fi nding more ways to personalize weddings and make the ceremonies special. This is done by incorporating meaningful readings, poems, hymns, verses and songs. It’s all about being personal.

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For fl owers, freshly cut, long stems and non-uniform presentation of fl owers are very popular. Brides are moving away from that perfectly shaped ball of fl owers. Flowers are more organic looking, looser arrangements that also seem to be larger than in the past. Perhaps this is because there is also a lot more natural greenery in the bouquets, which is driving the cost down a bit, so bouquets can be larger than before. Popular fl owers are garden roses, peonies, freesia and anything fragrant.

Here in the South, you can also expect to see a lot of monogramming this spring. You’ll see monogram jewelry

on bridesmaids or a monogram on the dance fl oor. Just make sure you use your married monogram after the nuptials, as proper etiquette dictates you do not use a three-letter married monogram on a wedding invitation or even on a welcome brochure, since you aren’t technically married yet.

Just as everything else in the industry has its trends, so does photography. Photographers who are at the top of their game — the ones who are most sought after by brides and who are being published in national magazines — are using fi lm in addition to digital cameras. This fi lm aesthetic

is increasingly more popular and pays homage to that heirloom, timeless style that people are looking for. Photographers who shoot in fi lm will tell you it’s truly an art form. We tend to agree. Videography remains a popular choice for couples who wish to capture the day in motion.

Spring 2015 promises to shake up the wedding industry more than ever, and we can’t wait to see it. Hilton Head Monthly is now accepting real wedding submissions to be featured in our magazine or online. Visit us online at www.hiltonheadmonthly.com to learn more. M

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M wedding cakes

The stars of every wedding are the bride and groom. But if there were a third star at the reception, it would have to be the wedding cake. Traditionally, a white multi-tiered cake

has been the go-to for many brides. But today’s brides have a wider range of options, and many are choosing cakes that better match their style. Cupcakes, colors and more now rule the wedding cake table. With the wider variety of styles, choosing the perfect cake is easier than ever. Below are five trends that we are in love with.

2015

TRENDSWEDDINGCAKE

CUPCAKESInstead of having a traditional tiered wedding cake, many brides and grooms are instead choosing to offer their guests something different. Cake pops, cupcakes and even donut cakes have been seen in recent years. This trend contin-ues to prove popular. Cupcakes continue to be a popular choice with many brides, and having cupcakes offers more flexibility for cake and frosting choices. Some brides choose to have a wide vari-ety of flavors, including red velvet, chocolate, lemon or even carrot cake cupcakes. Cupcakes also are beautiful and easy to serve.

BY SASHA SWEENEY

OMBRE COLORSOmbre cakes have been very popular lately. The soft, fading colors really make these cakes stand out. An ombre cake also is a great way to tie in the wedding colors or theme. Whether it’s shades of pink that match the brides-maids dresses or beautiful shades of blue that match the ocean setting, a bride can’t go wrong with this on-trend choice.

GROOM’S CAKESLet’s not forget the groom. Anyone who has seen the movie “Steel Magnolias” remembers the gray-iced red velvet armadillo groom’s cake. Groom’s cakes are traditionally thought of as a Southern tradition, but more and more couples are hav-ing a groom’s cake as a second cake offering. Usually styled after an inter-est of the groom, cakes come in all different shapes and themes. Fishing, a favorite sports team or even a favor-ite food are popular. The groom’s cake is a chance to introduce a little whimsy to your wedding. M

RUFFLESTaking the wedding dress ruffletrend one step further, ruffled cakes are becoming the stars of the cake table. These stunning cakes provide life and movement that is missing in traditional fondant-covered cakes. Keeping with the color trend, ruffledcakes can be stunning in white or taken to the next level with a color or paired with the ombre style.

NAKED If your wedding has more of a rustic feel, you may wonder if a highly frosted cake will fit into your theme of simplicity. The “naked” cake may be your answer. These cakes forgo the outside layer of frosting, instead highlighting the actual cake and the frosting between the layers. Often adorned with fresh fruit, these cakes take simplicity and step it up a notch. We predict seeing more of these cakes in the next few years.



M bridal show

Calling all those who are planning weddings. Feb. 8 is for you. For the

second year in a row, Monthly Media Group is partnering with The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa for the annual Bridal Show. The show is from 12 to 5 p.m. in The Grand Ballroom and promises to be the preeminent source for wedding inspiration and information in the Lowcountry.

Stuck on who to hire for photography? Not sure what caterer to go with? Consider this a shopping experience.

With more than 50 wedding vendors ranging from caterers, fl orists, planners, paper stylists, lighting pros, entertainers, photographers, beauty experts and more, couples can shop local experts in the fi eld and get information. They can also be inspired by what’s trending in the industry and see the vendors’ capabilities. It’s an opportunity to ask questions about services, prices and logistics and build your dream team for your big day.

BY LIBBY O’REGAN

2015 HILTON HEAD BRIDAL SHOW A MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR THOSE PLANNING WEDDINGS

HERE COME THE

BRIDES

The cost to attend the 8th annual Hilton Head Bridal Show is $10 a person. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Bring your engagement photo for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue. For more information, visit www.hiltonheadmonthly.com.

BRIDAL SHOWH I L T O N H E A D SUNDAY,

FEBRUARY 8, 12-4PM



M bridal show

Adding further excitement to the day are the events planned. Don’t miss the grooms-only workshop from 1 to 2 p.m. — no brides allowed! This is an opportunity for grooms to learn more about the wedding planning process, what their roles should be and how to best support their brides. Lots of valuable information will be learned here.

For those overwhelmed or even confused by the wedding planning process, don’t miss the Wedding Planning Timeline workshop from 2 to 3 p.m. This is where you will learn about when you need to reserve a variety of your vendors, when you should order invitations, when you can get your marriage license and all of those nitty-gritty details.

At 3 p.m., the bridal fashion show will take place and will feature the area’s hippest and most stylish boutiques. Not only focusing on fashion for the bride, but mother of the groom, bridesmaids, rehearsal dinner attire and even your honeymoon wardrobe. Come see the latest trends and classic looks that are available in our area at the best shops.

There will be raffle drawings and a chance to have your wedding captured in two pages of an upcoming issue of Hilton Head Monthly. Many of the vendors are providing food and free gifts. Come get some swag while getting information and being inspired.

Don’t miss the cash bar, food and music by Target the Band and DJ by JLK Events. M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARNO DIMMLING AND KEITH VANDER SCHAAF

PHOTOS FROM THE 2014 HILTON HEAD MONTHLY BRIDAL SHOW


VENUE SPOTLIGHT | The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Luxury Awaits

AT THE WESTIN

It’s no secret that Hilton Head Island and Blu� on are full of wedding venues. Couples travel from all over the country to get married here for that very reason. Depending on the size of your wedding, your budget and the style and vibe you are looking for, you are sure to be able to � nd something in the area. One of the most sought-a� er venues is � e Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Stretched along the island’s pristine sandy beaches, this AAA Four-Diamond ocean-front resort is an ideal wedding location for a variety of reasons. Because of the endless options, exceptional food and service, comfort of the resort, and oh — that spa! — � e Westin is one venue that should not be missed.

Whether you are looking for a beach, outdoor or indoor ceremony and reception, � e Westin has a variety of options. Get married with your toes in the sand, right on the beach. Too casual? Have your ceremony on the beautiful Oceanfront Deck. Choose to host cocktails at the Oceanfront Pavilion, then move inside to one of the ballrooms. Be sure to check out the impres-sive Grand Ballroom. � e décor is modern and minimal, allowing couples to go with any sort of “look” they have in mind when it comes to wedding design. No ugly carpet here.

We’ve even known couples who hosted an a� er-party in the Gazebo room. � ere are seemingly endless options and combina-tions for ceremony, cocktails and reception at � e Westin, which allows you to make the wedding completely yours and exactly how you envisioned it.

BY LIBBY O’REGAN

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Luxury Awaits

AT THE WESTIN

Another reason couples choose � e Westin? � e food. Browse through menus and the resort’s o� erings and your mouth starts to water. Shell� sh raw bars, passed hors d’oeuvres, specialty signature drinks, catering stations, tapas stations, plated dinners, dessert bars, exceptional cakes — all are possible at � e Westin. Couples work closely with the catering and sales manager to plan menus that are satisfying, creative and budget-friendly.

Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed and feature the incred-ible Heavenly Bed by Westin. Ask about room blocks, which give special discounted rates for your guests. Giving your guests the option to stay at the resort for a discounted rate is an option that couples love. Guests will enjoy the pool, hot tub, work out facili-ties, nearby golf and tennis and all the resort amenities.

Don’t forget about the Heavenly Spa. On the day of your wed-ding, trust the professionals for hair, makeup and nails. � e locker room features a whirlpool, steam room, sauna and relaxation room, and many brides are known to get massages and bring their bridesmaids in for services and pre-wedding relaxation. Many couples also take advantage of couples massages the day a� er the wedding to recharge and re� ect on the big day. � e spa is the most full-service on the island with nine treatment rooms, sepa-rate relaxation lounge and full-service salon.

� e friendly, expert sta� at � e Westin will work with you on design, décor, menu selections, room blocks, spa reservations — everything!

Learn more at www.westinhiltonheadisland.com/wedding-venuesand be sure to attend the Hilton Head Bridal Show

in February at The Westin.

˜ ere are seemingly endless options and combinations at ̃ e Westin, which allows you to make the wedding completely yours

and exactly how you envisioned it.

P A R T N E R P R O M O T I O N

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2015 hilton head bridal guide

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